AD Ports Group Launches Trial Operations at Safaga Terminal in Egypt

Key Takeaways

• Trial operations began at Safaga terminal ahead of 2026 commercial launch
• Terminal capacity: 450,000 TEUs, 5 M tonnes dry bulk annually
• 30‑year concession underscores long‑term AD Ports‑Egypt partnership
• Project supports Golden Triangle mining exports and Upper Egypt logistics

Pulse Analysis

AD Ports Group’s trial run at the Safaga terminal marks a pivotal moment for Egypt’s Red Sea corridor. The facility, spanning roughly 810,000 square metres with a 1,000‑metre quay, is designed to accommodate 450,000 TEUs per year alongside substantial bulk cargo volumes. By testing operational systems now, AD Ports ensures a seamless transition to full‑scale service, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable international terminal operator in a region traditionally dominated by state‑run ports.

Beyond sheer capacity, the Safaga terminal is positioned as a catalyst for the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, a mining hub that produces valuable minerals for global markets. The terminal’s ability to move up to 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk each year will streamline export routes for these resources, reducing logistics costs and shortening delivery times. Moreover, the infrastructure supports 50,000 CEUs of Ro‑Ro cargo, enhancing connectivity for automotive and equipment shipments that feed downstream manufacturing clusters in Upper Egypt.

The launch fits into AD Ports Group’s aggressive expansion strategy across the Red Sea, which includes cruise operations in Sharm El‑Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga, ferry links to NEOM for Hajj pilgrimages, and the development of the 20‑square‑kilometre KEZAD East Port Said logistics park. The recent acquisition of a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company for roughly US$279 million underscores the group’s commitment to deepening its footprint in Egypt’s maritime ecosystem, positioning the Safaga terminal as a linchpin for regional trade integration.